Back to Jobs
SS

Diesel Mechanic / Technician I at Summit School Services

Summit School Services Philadelphia, PA

Job Description



As a Fleet Technician I supporting our school bus fleet, you'll handle advanced diagnostics, inspections, and repairs on Summits Fleet of vehicles so routes leave safe and on time. You'll work across yellow-bus systems-preventive maintenance, DOT/state inspections and DVIR readiness, air/hydraulic braking, steering/suspension, electrical/charging, HVAC, drivetrains/transmissions, and engine performance-while modeling craftsmanship, safety, and uptime. You'll work with the Lead Technician or Maintenance Supervisor to identify and complete repairs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair automotive and diesel systems - including brakes, steering, suspension, drivetrains, electrical, cooling, and fuel systems - according to skill level.
• Perform engine adjustments, rebuilds, and test drives to verify quality repairs.
• Complete required safety inspections and repair sign-offs before releasing vehicles.
• Keep a safe, organized, and compliant workspace following all Federal, State, and local standards.
• Identify and report additional service needs or complex issues requiring advanced support.
• Accurately log labor hours, parts used, and completed work in the maintenance system.
• Notify leadership of unsafe conditions, equipment misuse, or vehicle abuse immediately.
• Respond to road calls and perform mobile repairs when needed.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and integrity in every task.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years medium/heavy truck fleet mechanic repair experience.
o Experience must be verifiable via prior employer or acceptable documentation (e.g., pay stubs, W-2, or equivalent).
• Knowledgeable in the use of diagnostic equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and A/C issues.
• Advanced technical knowledge of major vehicle components in diesel and gas equipment.
• Possess the recommended minimum hand tools for a diesel technician.
• Ability to use good judgment and sound decision-making skills.
• High school graduate or equivalent education and/or training and experience.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Valid applicable state license (CDL preferred) - Company has a free training program for mechanics.
• ASE Certification desirable but not required.

Why work with Summit
• Purpose with impact: Your expertise keeps students and communities moving-safely and reliably every school day.
• Professional development: Build your career with ongoing training and internal advancement opportunities.
• Training & tools: Access to industry leading complimentary fleet/OEM training, modern diagnostic equipment, and school-bus system training
• CDL & ASE support: CDL preferred-company training available for mechanics; Industry Leading ASE Training & Incentive program.
• Modern fleet focus: Predictable preventive maintenance (PM) cycles, and a safety-first culture tailored to pupil transportation. Robust telematics platform.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan. The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/contractual terms, and positions.

Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.

At Summit School Services, our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Summit School Services LLC's independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer.

Typical mid-level pay: $61k for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$61k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$42k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $86k

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
Somewhat fragile

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+2%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024